Urban farming program tackles food deserts and builds community resilience

More than 17 million Americans live in food deserts, which are areas with limited access to fresh, affordable produce. Rising temperatures and crop damage are making the problem worse, but a grassroots initiative is offering a solution.

Fleet Farming, a bike-powered urban farming program, is transforming residential lawns into micro farms in underserved areas. Operating in cities and food deserts, the program has turned over 176,000 square feet of lawn into productive farmland, harvesting nearly 18,000 pounds of produce over the past decade.

Run by the environmental nonprofit IDEAS For Us, the program not only addresses food insecurity but also involves families and volunteers in hands-on agricultural work. Participants grow fresh vegetables while also building emotional resilience and community engagement.

Fleet Farming is part of a broader eco-action movement that spans more than 30 countries, helping local communities identify and solve their most pressing environmental challenges through sustainable, community-led efforts.